Whether you have just begun playing winter sports or have been at it for years, one of the most important things to consider is your attire. By dressing efficiently, you can enjoy playing while being able to protect yourself from the external elements. However, dressing for playing sports in winter isn’t all about putting on a giant parka or a hefty sweater. The goal should be to stay warm and dry without having your clothing items get in the way of your performance.
To help young athletes, our sports school in India has provided some tips to ensure you are protected while playing any sports in winter.
Dress the Right Way to Play Sports in Winter
Here are some tips to choose the right clothing items to play sports in winter.
- Choose Reflective Clothing
During the winters, the sun rises later than it does in the summer months and sets early too. This results in it being dark out in the morning when many leave their home and for it to become darker early in the evening too. So, when playing outside, it can be difficult for the other players to see you. This is why it’s important to wear reflective clothing when playing sports in winter. And, this is something you can always bear in mind whenever playing outdoors in the dark. You can also purchase a headlamp to be on the safe side. Along with illuminating the path outside, it will allow others to see you.
- Layer Up
The key to ensuring you stay warm in the winter when playing sports is to wear a few layers instead of just one. However, don’t expect to simply throw on a hoodie and thick pants and for it to work. It’s important for players to be strategic about it. Athletes should ideally wear a waterproof layer on top such as an anorak or a rain jacket made using a synthetic material like nylon. It will offer protection in case it starts to rain. You should also wear a thermal vest inside your clothes to ensure your torso remains warm while leaving your arms and legs free for movement.
- Avoid Wearing Cotton
While cotton absorbs moisture, it isn’t a good insulator either and loses whatever little insulating properties it has once it gets wet. This is why, it’s better to wear moisture-wicking synthetics which keep the player’s body dry, making this a suitable material for active winter sports. And, along with wicking away moisture, synthetic materials also dry quickly and ensure the wearer remains warm in the process.
- Choose Long Sleeves
Clothes with long sleeves are suitable for playing outdoor sports in winter. You can consider purchasing compression tops that have crew necks and long sleeves ensuring your upper body stays warm while you play. And, they are made with breathable materials so there’s no need to worry about feeling uncomfortable as you play.
However, if you don’t have a long-sleeved shirt, you can also choose arm warmers and wear them separately. These are essentially sleeves you wear to keep your arms warm and if you feel hot while playing, you can simply take them off and keep them in your bag.
Wearing appropriate clothing to play sports in winter is important to ensure you are dry and warm while playing. Keep in mind that your clothing can have an impact on how you perform and also the way you feel while playing. This is why it’s necessary to invest in the right kind.